Seizing her 11th double-double this season with a season-high 28 points and 13 rebounds was Nwachukwu. Pollock, who has had a breakout season as a sophomore, reached a season-high in points (15), rebounds (14) and assists (6). Solomon, who is developing and becoming more confident each contest, poured in 11 points.
The Lady Eagles controlled the contest from the tip-off, pacing to a five-point lead within the first four minutes of play. Even with 10 lead changes, the Lady Eagles never allowed Norfolk State to reach larger than a one-point margin.
With 34 seconds remaining on the clock in the first-half, Pollock netted her ninth point with a two-point jumper to end the half with the Lady Eagles ahead by one point, 25-24.
Following the half-time intermission, the Lady Spartans scored the first five points to obtain the lead with a score of 29-25.
NCCU senior
Shanise Blanks snapped the short run by hitting two shots from the charity stripe. Nwachukwu netted a layup at the 17:04 mark to earn the tie of the contest, 29-29. With Pollock’s 10
th point of the afternoon, the Lady Eagles regained the lead at the 16:18 mark, 31-29.
Norfolk State’s Rae Corbo, who led the Lady Spartans with 15 points, recaptured the lead for the visitor at the 14:38 mark
At the 14:20 mark, the Lady Eagles recovered three consecutive offensive rebounds which Solomon monopolized for two points, tying the game for the fourth time, 36-36.
Lady Spartan Tyisha Bridges, who finished with 12 points, attempted to pace a run with a three-point basket at the 12:52.
The second half would see eight ties, and the Lady Eagles would only permit one last NSU lead at the 8:32 mark.
During the final five minutes of play, NCCU hit the free-throw line seven times. Nwachukwu went 5-6 from the line, Pollock scored her last two points from the line with 14 seconds on the clock and Blanks went 2-3 from the charity stripe.
Norfolk State’s offense was led by Corbo, Bridges and Sarah Daily, who finished with 12 points in the loss. Corbo distributed four assists and stole three NCCU possessions, while Rachel Gordon pulled down seven rebounds.
NCCU secured its six-point win by outrebounding the Lady Spartans 50-33, stealing more possessions , 12-9, earning 26 points off of second chance opportunities and obtaining 15 points from the bench. Collectively, the Lady Eagles netted 74 percent from the charity stripe, 33 percent from the field and eight percent from the long range.
The Virginia-based visitors scored 50 percent from the behind the three-point arc, 44 percent from the field and 36 percent from the free-throw line. While earning six points off the fast break, which Corbo obtained.
By obtaining their third straight win, the Lady Eagles advance to 5-21 on the season, as Norfolk State takes home its seventh-consecutive loss and drops to 8-15 on the season.
NCCU heads down the home stretch of its season, closing its four-game homestand hosting the Lady Aggies of North Carolina A&T State University on Monday, Feb. 21 at 5:30 p.m. Monday’s contest is “Pack the House Night,” all fans are urged to come out and support your Lady Eagles on their quest to earn their fourth straight victory. Following Monday’s game, NCCU travels to the sunshine state to battle Florida A&M on Saturday, Feb. 26 at 4 p.m. and Bethune-Cookman on Monday, Feb. 28 at 5:30 p.m.
The maroon and grey conclude the season on Thursday, March 3 welcoming South Carolina State University at 5:30 p.m. Prior to the game, seniors Nwachukwu, Blanks and Sheresa Mills will be honored for four years of dedication to the North Carolina Central University women’s basketball team.
NCCU fans can catch all of the action live online at
www.NCCUEaglePride.com, where Paul Doherty will bring live play-by-play action from McDougald-McLendon Gymnasium. Eagle Gameday, the pregame show, will air 15 minutes prior to tip-off.
For more information on Lady Eagles basketball, visit the official website of NCCU Athletics at
www.NCCUEaglePride.com.
